Marvel promotes Simon

Exec to head worldwide consumer products

Marvel Entertainment, Inc. promoted Simon Philips to president, worldwide consumer products. Philips, who was previously president, Marvel Intl,. will also remain in the role as Marvel’s head of worldwide animation. The announcement was made today by John Turitzin, executive VP, office of the chief executive, Marvel Entertainment.

In his new role, Philips will spearhead Marvel’s continued global consumer products expansion. Additionally, he will be responsible for further developing Marvel’s direct to retail relationships and forging closer ties with major retail partners, expanding Marvel’s video game and wireless licensing businesses, and working with Marvel’s new themed entertainment park partners while seeking out new opportunities for the company.

Paul Gitter, President of Consumer Products, North America for Marvel Entertainment, will continue to run the company’s U.S. and Canadian consumer products business and will expand his role to include oversight of Marvel’s consumer products businesses in Central and South America.

Philips joined Marvel in 2006 as president, Marvel Intl., where he oversaw the company’s international consumer products division, maximizing Marvel’s worldwide presence through the development of comprehensive licensing campaigns based on the company’s major movie events and the enduring popularity of its character library. More recently, he has also been responsible for overseeing Marvel’s strong animation focus and its interactive entertainment licensing business.

Philips, a licensing industry veteran, helped create some of the most recognizable global entertainment licensing sensations. Prior to joining Marvel, he served as the managing director of 4Kids Entertainment Intl.

Philips’ extensive international experience also includes serving as founder/CEO of Licensing Dynamics Intl., a leading consumer products and media agency spanning the Middle East, the Mediterranean Basin and South America. He was responsible for the international licensing for the 1994 Winter Olympics and a licensing manager at British Olympic Licensing Ltd. Well-respected within the industry, Mr. Philips recently completed a three-year term on the board of directors of the Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA).